Head-to-head · 2026
Philander Smith University vs University of Arkansas
Compare average net price ($14,224 at Philander Smith University; $18,209 at University of Arkansas), ROI score (6.75 vs 7.99), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($38,427 vs $58,191), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Philander Smith University; 74.3% at University of Arkansas) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Philander Smith University | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.75 | 7.99 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $14,224 ✓ | $18,209 |
| 4-year avg net price | $56,896 ✓ | $72,836 |
| In-state tuition | $13,014 | $10,104 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,014 | $29,966 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $38,427 | $58,191 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 74.3% |
| Graduation rate | 30.4% | 70.5% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 65.7% | 86.4% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,736 | $21,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 751 | 28,677 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1169 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Philander Smith University | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,393 ✓ | $14,319 |
| Family income $30–48k | $14,606 | $14,322 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,686 | $15,934 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,847 ✓ | $20,772 |
| Family income $110k+ | $15,800 ✓ | $22,470 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Philander Smith University | University of Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 25.4% | 7.2% |
| Psychology, General | 11.8% | 2.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 11.8% | 1.5% |
| Biology, General | 10.1% | 2.7% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 8.9% | 2.9% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 7.7% | 1.9% |
| Social Work | 6.5% | 1.4% |
| Computer Science | 4.7% | 1.7% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Philander Smith University reports the lower average net price by $3,985 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $15,940 difference over four years ($56,896 vs $72,836).
University of Arkansas reports $19,764 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($58,191 vs $38,427). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 65.7% at Philander Smith University and 86.4% at University of Arkansas. Median federal debt among completers is $24,736 vs $21,500, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Philander Smith University vs University of Arkansas, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Philander Smith University is cheaper — average net price $14,224 per year vs $18,209 at University of Arkansas. The annual difference of $3,985 adds up to about $15,940 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Arkansas reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $58,191 vs $38,427 at Philander Smith University. The gap in the federal data is $19,764. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.